Ali Krieger is optimistic that the U.S. women’s national team can bring home an Olympic gold medal, but admitted she still feels “there’s something missing” ahead of the tournament in France.
In its first games under new coach Emma Hayes, the USWNT easily beat South Korea 3-0 and 4-0 last month. But the team’s final pre-Olympics friendlies weren’t quite as simple.
The USWNT narrowly beat an ever-improving Mexico side before only managing a scoreless draw against Costa Rica — the first time in 18 all-time meetings that the USWNT didn’t beat Las Ticas.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the launch of “Futbol W” on ESPN, former USWNT star Krieger spoke about the difference she’s seen from the team since Hayes took over.
“I think there’s more of an attacking-minded mentality, a more attacking identity in our team,” Krieger said. “I still believe when I watch the games there’s something missing, I can’t pinpoint it. I think we do have the ability to continue to score more goals. I think people are just kind of getting comfortable and building those relationships on the field, which takes time.”
While the USWNT back line has appeared settled for some time, further up the field there are more concerns about a lack of familiarity. Hayes’ preferred attacking trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson only started once together before the two friendlies this month.
Hayes has now settled on a preferred lineup, with one or two potential modifications. For Krieger, that will be a major benefit for the USWNT ahead of its first Olympics match against Zambia on Thursday.
“[Hayes has] now had a consistent lineup the past two or three games, which is good to see because that’s what I’m talking about with those relationships next to you, behind you, in front of you,” Krieger said. “You have to really build that in order to have that communication and that confidence within each other.”
Following the game against Zambia, the U.S. will also face Germany and Australia in group play before it hopes to move on to the quarterfinal. As the team seeks its first gold medal since 2012, Krieger is hoping to see performances that grow as the tournament goes forward.
“I still think there’s a little bit more that hopefully we will see throughout the tournament, so don’t expect the team to play great from the very beginning,” she said. “Yes, you don’t want to lose the first game. You want to set yourself up for success for the rest of the tournament, but hopefully the style of play and the identity will continue to grow throughout the tournament.
“I have faith that the U.S. can can get out of the group and and hopefully be successful the rest of the way, but we will see in this group-stage play what they can bring individually, and then as as a group.”
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